"Midway Spectacle: A Cirque du Soleil-esque Performance"
The Copenhagen Collective, an extraordinary ensemble of artists from 15 countries, is set to make its debut at the Montreal Complètement Cirque festival with their opening show, "The Genesis." The collective, formed by Patrick King and Johan King Silverhult, came together through a unique process of evaluating skills, creativity, and chemistry during a three-month immersive residency.
The collective aims to deconstruct gender stereotypes, following in the footsteps of companies like the Australian troupe Circa. Their playful nickname, "The Chaos Collective," reflects the challenges of creating together, as chronicled in the documentary video capsules, "The Origin Series."
"The Genesis" does not have a narrative purpose but instead showcases the collective evolution on stage, with a focus on trust and the strength of the group despite coming from different cultures. The original music of Danish composer Leif Jordansson transports the audience from the frenzy of a nightclub to the grand solemnity of a cathedral, without ever dulling the aura of joy that permeates the collective's performance.
Each scene of the show is led by one of the artists, and while some brief moments are reserved for improvisation, the creation of each scene was collaborative. The show features circus feats such as Cyr wheel, tightrope, and trampoline wall, with American juggling master Wes Peden, a multiple prize-winner, adding his unique touch with the use of multiple accessories, including a giant inflatable tube.
Meanwhile, in Quebec, FLIP Fabrique's show "Sixo," created in 2020, is being presented from July 8 to 13 at Espace St-Denis. The soundtrack borrows from several decades, and the show features circus feats such as aerial straps, hoops, and bouncing balls.
Two different programs, each with unusual propositions, are being offered by L'Autre Cirque at La Chapelle Scènes contemporaines on July 7, 8, 10, and 11. In other news, most of the 24 cows that escaped on Saturday have been found, leaving three still missing in Bas-Saint-Laurent.
On a broader note, Copenhagen is known for its vibrant cultural scene, attracting artists interested in pushing boundaries and exploring new mediums. The Legault government's recent decision to remove $15 to $30 a month from the amount of social assistance intended for asylum seekers has raised concerns among the artistic community and beyond.
The Copenhagen Collective's performance, "The Genesis," incorporates original music by Danish composer Leif Jordansson that transports the audience from a nightclub ambiance to a grand cathedral, encapsulating a journey of trust and unity, while showcasing their diverse cultural roots. Simultaneously, FLIP Fabrique's show "Sixo," featuring circus acts like aerial straps and hoops, presents an alternative entertainment option with its eclectic soundtrack in Quebec.
